As the 2024 NRL season draws to a close, speculation has begun to swirl around the future of Sydney Roosters star James Tedesco. The 31-year-old fullback, widely regarded as one of the league’s most electrifying players, is set to come off-contract at the end of the 2025 campaign. However, despite the looming uncertainty, Tedesco remains steadfast in his belief that he has plenty of gas left in the tank and is poised to continue his reign as the Roosters’ No.1 for years to come.
Dismissing Succession Plan Rumors
In recent weeks, whispers have emerged suggesting that the Tricolours could potentially make a play for in-demand Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen as part of a long-term succession plan. The rumor mill has even gone as far as to suggest that Tedesco could be shifted to the halves to accommodate a new No.1. However, the man himself has been quick to pour cold water on such speculation.
“I’ve chatted to Robbo maybe last year, I said I was willing to play in the halves or five-eighth but I don’t think it’s going to happen,”
Tedesco revealed in an exclusive interview
The veteran’s confidence is not misplaced. Despite his age, Tedesco believes that the 2024 season was one of his finest in recent memory, rivaling his Dally M-winning campaign in 2019. The statistics back up his claim, with the fullback posting numbers that place him among the league’s elite.
Age is Just a Number
For Tedesco, the question of his longevity is not one of age, but rather of performance. He dismisses the notion that his advancing years will necessarily lead to a decline in his on-field impact, pointing to his tireless work ethic and unrivaled dedication as the keys to his sustained success.
“We (the media) are only talking about (succession planning with recruitment) because of age, whereas I don’t see that as an issue,”
Tedesco explained
“If things are dropping because of my age, I understand, but after the year I just had at 31, I know what my body’s like, what my mentality is and my work rate. I’m not going to dip too much, that’s just how I am.”
Indeed, Tedesco’s commitment to his craft is the stuff of legend. Teammates and coaches alike marvel at his relentless pursuit of improvement, with early morning training sessions and meticulous attention to recovery forming the backbone of his preparation. It’s this unwavering dedication that has allowed him to maintain his explosive speed, agility, and footballing instincts well into his thirties.
The Origin Factor
Another factor working in Tedesco’s favor is his recent exclusion from the State of Origin arena. Having been a mainstay of the New South Wales side for the better part of a decade, the fullback found himself overlooked for the 2024 series. While disappointing on a personal level, Tedesco believes that the break from the rigors of Origin football may actually prolong his NRL career.
“The Origin period is very taxing mentally and physically. You’re backing up after games so it does take a toll on your body,”
he admitted
“I felt this year I had those weeks off and I was playing some of my best footy. It definitely aligned there.”
Tedesco points to the longevity of other veteran playmakers, such as Daly Cherry-Evans and Ben Hunt, as proof that age is no barrier to success in the modern game. With the benefit of a reduced representative workload, he believes he can continue to perform at an elite level for several more seasons.
The Roosters’ Perspective
For their part, the Roosters appear to be in no rush to usher Tedesco out the door. Coach Trent Robinson has been effusive in his praise of the fullback, indicating that the club sees him as a vital part of their plans for the foreseeable future.
“I think Teddy will play for a few more years,”
Robinson stated confidently
“There is no-one in their 20s (set to replace him), we’ve got a really young kid still at school who we think is a future in that position for us. We’ve signed him on that long-term deal, but that is four or five years away.”
With no immediate successor waiting in the wings, it appears that Tedesco’s place in the Roosters’ lineup is secure for the time being. Robinson has hinted that the club is keen to extend the fullback’s contract, ensuring that he remains in the red, white, and blue for the twilight years of his illustrious career.
A Legacy Secured
Regardless of how many more seasons he has left at the top, there is no denying that James Tedesco has already carved out a legacy as one of the greatest fullbacks of his generation. His speed, agility, and footballing intellect have made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, while his leadership and competitive spirit have endeared him to teammates and fans alike.
As he enters the final years of his storied career, Tedesco remains as determined as ever to leave his mark on the game. With the unwavering support of the Roosters organization and a body that belies his age, there is every reason to believe that the best may be yet to come for this modern-day great.
For now, though, Tedesco’s focus remains firmly on the present. With a contract extension on the horizon and a burning desire to lead the Roosters back to the promised land, the indomitable fullback is ready to prove that sometimes, age really is just a number.
